Paul Squires is a former resident at YMCA Surbiton and has now become a volunteer chaplain. He is passionate about chaplaincy, and how it gives vulnerable people a voice and hope. He spoke to us four years ago with his story, and here’s a follow-up on how far he has come: “I was in Surbiton…
The history of YMCA St Paul’s Group YMCA St Paul’s Group has been in existence in various forms in Kingston for just over 160 years since the Association was first established in 1858. However historian and YMCA Committee Member Audrey Giles discovered that the YMCA formed in Kingston in 1874 was not the first, but…
Chloe, 19, is a resident at YMCA Hayes in West London. Thanks to supportive YMCA staff and the Get on Track employment and mentoring programme, she has got a roof over her head, about to start volunteering and feeling more positive in herself. “I like living here; it’s given me independence. I can start doing…
After being kicked out of her family home by her mum’s boyfriend and spending months living in her cousin’s shed, Joanna, aged 25, was desperate for her own space and a permanent home. A home where she could relax and feel safe. That’s when she came to YMCA Hayes in September last year. “The best…
YMCA Phoenix House Britwell is a homely 10 bed semi-independent service for young people aged 16-25 and leaving care. The service is located in a leafy residential area of Britwell, on the border of Burnham. All of the accommodation units are fully furnished and residents have access to shared facilities such as a kitchen, computer,…
At YMCA St Paul’s Group we believe that every young person should have someone they can trust. Everyone should enjoy the benefits of good health and wellbeing. Francesca Thomas is the Sexual Health Advisor at YMCA Walthamstow in East London. Her work in the borough is not only to educate young people about sex, but…
The Merton Night Shelter has been running for eight years now at faith venues across Merton borough, serving homeless people over the coldest months. Run as a partner project of the YMCA St Paul’s Group, it’s supported by the Wimbledon Foundation and Merton Council. YMCA Project Coordinator Nicki Zisman allocates 14 places at the Merton…
Karate at YMCA Hawker in Kingston is suitable for all ages and abilities with an incredible team of coaches, led by Sensei Satinder Sehra who runs Kahlsa Karate. It’s one of the top 10 karate associations in the country and squad members compete regularly in the UK and Europe. With around 400 students attending each…
Finding affordable move-on accommodation in London is often difficult for our residents because it is so expensive but a mYPad provides an affordable solution. As residents begin to work full time and get back on their feet they need to be supported after they move out. The mYPad housing scheme onsite at YMCA Walthamstow offers…
Joy and David McLaughlin joined the Health & Wellbeing Centre at YMCA Hawker in Kingston this year after trying out the facilities with the January and summer promotions. They are both retired, having worked in the financial sector. Joy regularly attends three Pilates classes a week along with the occasional session in the gym too….
